Detailed guidance has been issued by the UK Government ahead of a change in the law around smoke and carbon monoxide alarms coming into force on 1 October, 2022.
From that date, all ‘relevant landlords’ must:
1. Ensure at least one smoke alarm is equipped on each storey of their homes where there is a room used as living accommodation. This has been a legal requirement in the private rented sector since 2015.
2. Ensure a carbon monoxide alarm is equipped in any room used as living accommodation which contains a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers).
3. Ensure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are repaired or replaced once informed and found that they are faulty.
Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns for Propertymark, said:
“The updated regulations contain some subtle but significant changes for agents and landlords working in the PRS in England.
“They have been coming down the line for some time, but with a firm date set for their implementation and detailed guidance now published, our advice is that letting agents start to prepare immediately.
“Agents should ensure they fully understand the regulations and begin the installation of new alarms and repair of existing alarms, and update their property management practices accordingly and without delay.
“There is no transitional period after 1 October 2022 and fines of up to £5,000 for non-compliance.”
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